Busch getting settled in as Howard County Sheriff

CRESCO - There’s a new sheriff in town . . . and he’s a good one!
With years of military experience, having been a State Trooper on a Tactical Team, been in charge of a military unit protecting high-ranking officials in Washington D.C. and other affluent places, and done training throughout the United States, you could say Howard County has someone over qualified for the job! 
But when talking with Sheriff Rick Busch, he’ll humbly tell you, “I just want to take that experience and bring it to my deputies and staff.”
It’s not often you get to take on a job and have a few months to get things in order, but Sheriff Busch has that opportunity as the new Howard County head officer. 
“Although I don’t officially take office as the new Sheriff until January 2, 2025 I have been organizing and working on the transition in the office since November 6th,” said Sheriff Busch. “There are some exceptional Deputies, Dispatchers and Jailers working at the Sheriff’s Office and they have been very helpful.”
Busch feels blessed in getting the job and despite being retired at one point in his life, he is excited in being the County Sheriff and walking in the footsteps of history––making Howard County a better place to live.
“Back in June and July I was getting calls from around the country to run for the Sheriff position,” said Busch. “Many were unhappy with the direction things were going in the Sheriff’s Office and I, after looking into it and asking questions,  felt they did need new leadership. I decided to look at running and talked with my family, prayed about the decision and the opportunity to serve and spoke with other area officers. It wasn’t an easy decision, but something I’m glad I did.”
During his campaign he discussed personally funding a “TIP Line” and would have it operational on January 2. The TIP Line allows any citizen to call and report suspicious or criminal activity. They can report anonymously or leave a name and number and Sheriff Busch or another deputy will return a call to them.  
“That number is 563-203-3100,” said Busch, who already has the line in play. “I’d ask reporting parties to be as specific as they can when providing information.”
Since winning the election, Busch has said he’s been very appreciateive of the support of the community and how they have backed him as the new sheriff.  
“I’m truly humbled by it,” said Busch. “I have enjoyed getting to meet new people in this community and just can’t believe the tremendous support they’ve offered.”
 
Goals For County
Busch noted that he has several goals already set as the new Sheriff with the most important making Howard County a safer and more enjoyable place to live and work for everyone. 
“We will be operating as a team and doing criminal interdiction and reduce illicit drug distribution,” said Busch, who has a lot of knowledge to direct his crew. “Too many families have been negatively impacted by dangerous illegal narcotics. Many people do not realize the nexus between many types of crime and illegal drug use and distribution, plus the ripple effect it has on local communities.”
Busch pointed out that Hwy. 63 is one of those avenues or pipelines for moving drugs north and south bound.  
“There are other highways as well, but Hwy. 63 is a big one,” stated Busch, who will be monitoring that road much more closer than in the past. “Human trafficking is another problem in every county in Iowa and again, Hwy. 63 is part of that.”
Busch stated that he’ll likely be using the Iowa Department of Public Safety often to help his deputies on certain investigations as the State Troopers, Special Agents and other State Assets are free. 
“Fortunately, we do have some really talented young deputies here who are even better law enforcement officers,” added Busch, who is looking forward in directing the department to a new level. “Jennifer Bauer has been a big help as our Civil Deputy/Jail Administrator. She does a lot for us with IT and more . . . very talented. Ryan Van De Walker is my Chief Deputy, and I’ll be working with him on several things.”

Cresco Times

Phone: 563-547-3601
Fax: 563-547-4602

Address:
Cresco TPD
214 N. Elm Street
Cresco, IA 52136

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